Push-pull control cable assembly with quick-release terminal fittings therefor

Abstract

A push-pull control cable assembly having a casing of a predetermined length with a core slidably received therein. A push-through-to-lock anchor fitting is provided at each end of the casing. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to the core through an end rod. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver with a blind bore. A slot in the receiver transversely intersects the blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to be selectively slidable between first and second positions. The locking tab has an aperture. The aperture permits a connecting spur to be inserted therein and withdrawn therefrom when the locking tab is in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur to preclude withdrawal thereof when the locking tab is in its second position. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the core through another end rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housing. A concave race extends circumferentially within the housing, and ports open transversely through the concave race. An annular connecting ring is received within the concave race for limited circumferential and transverse rotation relative to the concave race. The connecting ring receives a grooved end rod extending through the ports. An adjusting member having a plurality of dogs is removably secured within the connecting ring. The dogs selectively engage the grooved end rod to preclude removal of the end rod from the connecting ring.

I claim: 
     
       1. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly having a casing with a core slidably received in the casing to permit selective retention and release of a grooved end rod connected to one end of the push-pull control cable core, said terminal end fitting comprising: a housing having a central cavity;   a race extending circumferentially of said central cavity within said housing;   ports opening transversely through said housing to intersect said race;   a toroidal connecting ring disposed transversely within said housing and received within said race for circumferential rotation and at least limited pivotal movement transversely of said race;   a transverse bore penetrating said connecting ring to receive the grooved end rod extending through said ports;   an adjusting member movable axially within said connecting ring;   a plurality of dogs mounted in said adjusting member operatively to engage the grooved end rod in response to axial movement of said adjusting member to preclude removal of the end rod from said transverse bore in said connecting ring.   
     
     
       2. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said central cavity within said housing is cylindrically concave to receive said connecting ring.   
     
     
       3. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a central bore extending axially through said connecting ring;   said adjusting member having a head portion with a pair of arms extending outwardly of said head portion in generally parallel spaced relation to engage said central bore in said connecting ring;   said head portion engaging said connecting ring to define an anchor position for said adjusting member;   said dogs adapted operatively to engage said grooved end rod when said adjusting member is in its anchor position;   a saddle formed between said arms in proximity to said head portion; said dogs received in said saddle.   
     
     
       4. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 3, further comprising: a guide rib disposed between said arms in said saddle;   said dogs being positioned laterally of said guide rib.   
     
     
       5. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said central cavity within said housing is spherically concave to receive said connecting ring.   
     
     
       6. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 5, further comprising: a sealing ring;   said sealing ring having a spherical surface to engage said spherical housing;   said sealing ring adapted to be connected to said grooved end rod;   said sealing ring being both circumferentially and transversely rotatable of said spherical housing to move with said end rod received within the transverse bore in said connecting ring.   
     
     
       7. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 5, further comprising: a plug removably mounted within said central cavity to preclude admission of undesired debris into said central cavity.   
     
     
       8. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 5, further comprising: a locking clip;   said locking clip being supported from said housing to permit selective movement of said adjusting member between at least a shipping position and an anchor position.   
     
     
       9. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said locking clip selectively secures said adjusting member in said shipping position as well as within said anchor position.   
     
     
       10. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting for a push-pull control cable assembly, as set forth in claim 8, further comprising: a plug removably mounted within said central cavity;   said locking clip and said plug combining to preclude admission of undesired debris into said central cavity.